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Parliament championing Albino emancipation
Speaker of parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga
The Parliament of Uganda is spearheading a move that will result in the construction of a one stop center for Albinos as one of the most maginalised groups in Uganda.
The state of the art facility to be built at a location yet to be decided is among other things expected to offer medical and educational services to all persons with Albinism in the country.
According to Parliament’s Principal Information officer Kassim Nsimbe the center is expected to cost Ushs 500 and the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga will flag off a public walk from the Parliamentary building on Sunday 5th to raise funds toward the cause.
Albinos are the most marginalized groups in Uganda
“Albinos are faced with unique problems requiring special attention. Therefore this will be a one stop center to render them assistance in various areas including education and medical services” said the Director of Communications Chris Obore.
The fundraising drive is part of the institution’s Cooperate Social responsibility (CRS)
This comes as a response to a petition handed to the speaker of parliament by a group of Albinos three years ago, asking Parliament for action against their marginalization and insecurity arising from superstitions as some people particularly witch doctors reportedly view them as items in pursuit of ‘blessings’.
The walk will be part of a series of activities that will take place in the course of the Parliament’s week
Other activities will include an ecumenical prayer moment to be held on Monday. It will be lead by selected religious leaders from across various religions in the country and it will be followed on Tuesday, by a public dialogue with the Civil Society on a number of key selected topics.
During the same week, Parliament will open its doors for all Ugandans both as individuals and institutions such as schools wishing to tour the historical precinct that houses Uganda’s legislature.
The Climax will come on Friday when a special plenary session dubbed the people’s parliament will be held.
It will be constituted by members of the public and chaired by a speaker that will be selected from among the participants of the day.
According to Chris Obore, it is the first of its kind in the history of Uganda’s Parliament and it is going to be an annual event with a view to undo negative perceptions among some Ugandans viewing the institution as “a garrison” of sorts rather than as a peoples’ parliament.”
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